IMBIBE: Coping this Valentine’s Day

Swipe left. Swipe right. Ghost. Stash. Breadcrumb. If you know these terms, you know the phrase “all’s fair in love and war” couldn’t possibly be truth. Lyly didn’t write about love in the 21st century, that’s for damn sure. We can be certain only of one thing when it comes to a decent date: you pick the spot, so you can get a good drink at the very least.

Whether you celebrate Valentine’s Day or not, here are a few love notes to help you cope date or datelessly:

Go Bitter

Amaros can be found dotting the bars across Providence, mostly. Beyond Fernet, which many of us have proven our salt in shooting, try a sip of Amaro di Angostura. Its earthy baking notes will put you in the mood. Some spots to sip on Amaros more bitter than your cold heart: East End, Courtland Club, The Eddy, the Dorrance, Diego’s.

Go Pink

But we don’t mean the obnoxious pink that looks like a fairy puked. We mean pink like something you could drink up while your date yammers on. Think agave. Think lightly hued pink. Like the salty dogs at Chilango’s or a mouthwatering mezcal paloma at El Rancho Grande or down at Perro Salado. Or forego the pink altogether and just drink mezcal.

Go Home

Sometimes there’s nothing better than takeout on the couch with your date. In my case, the date is a homemade sparkling negroni. It’s not too sweet, not too bitter, bubbling and all mine.

Go Get:

.75 oz Campari or Luxardo Bitter

.5 oz London Dry Gin (don’t pick the cheap stuff, go real)

.75 oz Sweet red vermouth (Dolin, Alessio or Carpano will do)

4 oz Cava (or a brut bubbly of your choice)

Make:

Stir the first three ingredients with ice. Pour into a flute and top with bubbly. Garnish with a fresh lemon peel. Serves one unless you really like someone, then double it. Ah, hell, double it either way.